Sep. 26, 2013

Classic Harmony hummus from the Hummus Chick, who makes a variety of flavors of hummus in Nashville. / Leslee Mitchell

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The Tennessean

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Made in Tennessee is a weekly spotlight featuring products produced in our state. Reach Jen Todd at 615-313-2760 or jtodd@tennessean.com. For more information on Tennessee products, visit www.picktnproducts.org.

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Local company Hummus Chick transformed the creamy 2,000-year-old dish, creating sweet and savory flavors and promoting a healthy, happy lifestyle.

Number of employees: As soon as I started, Mallory Kimbrell came on board. After that Chayenne Kimball and now Lacey Criss. These girls are so important because they really inspired the team.

Lacey and I just concocted our fall flavor called Harvest Pumpkin and Honey. Every (one) we sell will be giving money to Second Harvest. (Available through October.)

How did your company get started? Whenever I’d go shopping and try to look for food products free of preservatives and additives, I’d end up not finding exactly what I was looking for. The idea of Hummus Chick didn’t come to me until time after time of making hummus at home and I realized how I truly enjoy making and blending it.

Why hummus? Hummus is such a great product because it can be an appetizer, it can be a side dish, it’s an amazing snack for athletes, children, moms on the go. It gives you the protein you need, fiber, increases your mood, it enhances your sleep.

I always had a wild imagination of what would it taste like if I add cilantro and roasted garlic to it? How about having sweet flavor versus savory?

Where are your products available? We’re at six different farmers markets. We’re at 12th South on Tuesdays, Thursdays we’re at Vanderbilt, Friday at Donelson, Saturday in West Nashville, East Nashville, West End and in Franklin.

Where are they manufactured? My kitchen is in Conexión Américas. The program is called Mesa Komal. “Mesa” means “table” in Spanish and “komal” means “community” in Kurdish. It’s such an awesome environment to concoct and blend — so much love goes into that kitchen.

How long have you been making these products? Hummus Chick began May 5, 2012.

What’s next for your company? We’ll be showcasing our chocolate hummus called I Heart Cocoa.

Our classic recipe is called Classic Harmony. The hummus has pomegranate seed on top to promote eating fruit and protein together. When you have pomegranate with hummus, it’s like a burst of joy in your mouth.

What’s your favorite Tennessee-made product aside from your own? Chubby Bunny. She makes fresh organic baby food. The ingredients she uses are preservative-free, very unique flavors, like she has basil and curry.